Mashaba names his starting eleven vs Mauritius with Khune captain

Coach Ephraim Mashaba has made nine changes to the squad that faced Angola when he announced his starting eleven for the first leg 2016 CHAN qualifier against Mauritius.

Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Mashaba has made nine changes to the squad that faced Angola when he announced his starting eleven for the first leg 2016 CHAN qualifier against Mauritius.

The clash will take place this afternoon (Saturday, 20 June 2015) at the Dobsonville Stadium. Kickoff is at 15h00.

Mashaba has retained only goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and striker Thamsanqa Gabuza from the team that started against Angola (Tuesday, 16 June) in Cape Town. Khune has now started in the last four Bafana Bafana matches since his return from injury – Swaziland, Nigeria, Gambia and Angola.

Tshepo Gumede will partner with Kwanda Mngonyama in central defence, while Marc van Heerden will start at leftback and Wandisile Letlabika at rightback.

Letlabika was the last to arrive in camp Friday evening (19 June) brining to 19 the total number of players.

The middle of the park will be occupied by Mandla Masango, Gift Motupa, Musa Nyatama and William Twala.

Sphelele Ntshangase and Gabuza will lead the attack.

Letlabika, Nyatama and Twala will be making their Bafana Bafana debut.

Khune will captain the squad on his 69th appearance, also on the day he celebrates his 28th birthday. The last time he led the team was in the CHAN tournament when South Africa drew 1-all against Mali in January last year in Cape Town.

“I feel honoured to again lead the squad, and hope for a victory to make it a memorable birthday present. A lot has happened over the last few days with players withdrawing from the squad which has affected our preparations, but as professionals we all know we have a job to do and we intend to represent our country well. Without taking anything away from Mauritius, our focus is on a win so we can again put smiles on the faces of South Africans and put the events of the last few days behind us,” said Khune.

Goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane will start on the bench alongside Madisha Modjeka, Ndumiso Mabena, Sibusiso Mxoyana, Bonginkosi Ntuli and Vuyisile Wana. The other unccapped player in the squad is Mabena.

Pentje Zulu and Thabang Monare are ineligible to play because they don’t have passports.